Whale & Dolphin Watching Adventure

Whale Watching Cruises Schedule

Whale watching in comfort on a large, fast, comfortable and stable Hornblower whale watching boat. Enjoy LIVE educational narration by Captains and trained Naturalists from the Natural History Museum. Read about current sightings in the WHALE REPORT.

Save $2 when you book your tickets in advance - online now or call 619-686-8715 and use Code: SD2D (applies to adult tickets only and not in combination with any other offer or discount, up to six adults in the party)

If you love whales, dolphins, sea lions, and sea birds, hop on board for a breathtaking experience on the open ocean. We’ll speed out to sea on one of our large, comfortable yachts and pass barking sea lions and pods of leaping dolphins as we search for the legendary gray whales—known for migrating the longest distance of any mammal on Earth. As we make our

3.5-hour tour, we’ll be treated to a live narration by our experienced captain and our on-board
naturalist (from the San Diego Natural History Museum). You’ll stay cozy and comfortable with
both indoor and outdoor seating and a snack bar featuring hot food, a full bar, and souvenirs.

If some type of whale is not sighted on your whale watching cruise, you will receive a pass good for another Whale Watching Cruise or Harbor Cruise from Hornblower San Diego.

Hornblower Cruises' San Diego Whale & Dolphin Watching Adventures are educational cruises and visual experiences for people who love sea birds, dolphins, sea lions and whales. Highlights of the cruise include pods of hundreds of dolphins plus an informative harbor cruise around the north end of the Big Bay. Enjoy a memorable three-and-a-half-hour whale-watching cruise on San Diego's largest and fastest whale watching yachts, offering the most comfortable climate-controlled boats in Southern California. If the tour doesn't see whales, all guests are given a "Whale Check" to come back for free.

NOTE: The whale watching vessel cruises in the open ocean. Our yacht is the most comfortable yacht in San Diego, due to stabilizers that greatly reduce the yacht's motion. Still, if seasickness is a concern, getting fresh air on the sun deck or taking over-the-counter anti-seasickness medicine prior to your cruise might help. Click here for FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.

Combine your Harbor Cruise or Whale Watching cruise with one of our combo packages for a FULL San Diego sightseeing experience. Choose from ticket packages with one of our great partners: USS Midway Museum, San Diego Natural History Museum or San Diego Maritime Museum.

*No outside food or beverage is allowed onboard the yacht. For your convenience, we have a fully stocked snack bar and full beverage bar available to purchase on board.

Whale Watching Cruises in San Diego
San Diego Whale Watching

San Diego Whale Watching
Whale watching with Natural History Museum

Easy, great day...and we saw more than I expected. Everyone was totally polite, friendly and courteous...even the parking attendant. Joyful experience, and we're already planning to do it again next year. Captain was knowledgeable and patient in his Capt. Ahab role...fun day! Thanks!

– Mark E

Our family had so much fun on Sunday during our whale watching adventure. The captain was so knowledgeable, and enthusiastic about the trip. We saw two Fin back whales, and his excitement about this event was infectious. Also, the volunteers from the Natural History Museum were amazing, and I know that my children will remember this event forever. Thank you so much!